Vanguard Magazine

GAME CHANGER 42 JUNE/JULY 2021 www.vanguardcanada.com See the full interview online Q What is your role at your organization today? As President and CEO, I initiate ideas to redefine the industry's standards. My mission is to revolutionize the uniform industry and I wish to carry out this vi- sion for Logistik as my legacy. I am for- tunate to be surrounded by a strong and versatile young team that will continue the legacy of innovation. Q What was your most challenging moment? Our response to COVID has been an enormous challenge. At the govern- ment's behest, early in the pandemic, we had to pivot our operations and those of our suppliers for urgent PPE production and distribution for health care provid- ers across Canada. Facing the urgent task of overcoming the PPE shortage, we rallied our part- ners to bring together the necessary expertise. Adapting to the evolving re- quirements and scaling up the produc- tion of millions of medical-grade gowns put our people, systems, and entire sup- ply chain to the test. We responded to Canada's call and the federal government: Logistik produced and provided overall 5 million medical- grade gowns. Q What is the one thing that has you most fired up today? Keeping Logistik at the forefront of the industry. In addition to technological tools that facilitate manufacturing, trace- ability, and accuracy, we are working on numerous research projects to continu- ally improve efficiency. One of the next crucial steps for our industry is the shift to eco-friendly alter- natives from popular raw materials such as cotton or polyester. Logistik is taking part in the development of natural fibers extracted from hemp and milkweed. Q What is a habit that contributes to your success? I was raised on a farm, and I have kept the habit of waking up and starting my day before dawn. I continue to enjoy this way of life and taking care of my land. I often find my- self leaving the field with clearer ideas. Before the day has even started, I know what my next challenges will be and how I intend to overcome them. It keeps me grounded and I always know where I am headed. I always incorporate reading into my routine; it keeps me up to date on indus- try and world news and stimulates my personal ideas. I subscribe to a number of business magazines and industry pub- lications. Q What people or organizations do you believe best embody the innovation mindset? I have been looking up to Patagonia a lot. I admire their forward-thinking, their way of being ahead of trends by proposing green solutions never pre- sented in the past. They embody the boldness innovation requires to con- vince users and stakeholders to adopt novel ideas. Q What are some of the biggest impediments to innovation in your industry sector? The Canadian manufacturing industry is depleted of its garment workers, forcing us to redouble efforts to retain local ex- pertise, while competing with globaliza- tion. As is the case for most sectors, the workforce is scarce. With the right investments, the apparel industry would be a major asset for our country. In the face of the pandemic, we witnessed how resourceful and strategi- cally necessary our industry proved to be. To compete with high-growth, high- margin markets, the apparel industry needs to innovate and take the necessary risks. If we want perennial success, we need to set the ground now, but changing mindsets is not always the easiest of tasks. Q What technologies, business models, and trends will drive the biggest changes in your industry over the next two years? Online solutions are trending and we will see more hassle-free ordering solutions with the assurance of always ordering the right fit. The tools for taking measure- ments will become more and more ad- vanced. The garments in themselves are chang- ing, becoming smarter and more adapted to the work environment. Smart textiles and apparel are the new tomorrow, and the possibilities are endless. We are taking part in the overall improvement of textile performance and equipment design, to ensure the safety and comfort of people in uniform. Q What is your parting piece of advice? Encourage people to make a difference, challenge the status quo and create inno- vative solutions for the future. When ob- stacles arise, when something is not work- ing the way it should, you must question what is limiting you. Like the five whys of the lean method to find the root cause of an issue, dig into your ideas, and take them further. LOUIS BIBEAU PRESIDENT AND CEO LOGISTIK

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